by Kitty Merrill | Feb 7, 2019 | News (home)
by Kim Prieto, Feb. 2019
The 545 Vision Task Force has been working to synthesize the input we’ve received from the congregation to date. Informed by feedback from congregational meetings and surveys conducted by the board over the past year and from our congregational vision brainstorming session last fall, we’ve created a working draft of a new church mission statement. A mission statement is a formal summary of the aims and values of the church, in a concise format. Please sit with this and think about it for a while. There will be opportunities in the future to provide more input.
The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura is to:
• Invite connections and diversity
• Spark and nurture free journeys of spiritual growth
• Reach out to create a more just and loving community, in harmony with nature
by Admin | Jan 21, 2018 | News (home)
Trying to find that great article from the church newsletter just got easier.
Now when you want to track down when Rev. Dana turned that perfect phrase, or take a look at what groups have received the church collection, you have two great ways to find what you are looking for.
Either click the Search link at the top of the page and type in a key word or phrase, or, scan through our archive of past columns from On Common Ground. It’s in the left sidebar of the newsletter link, or you can get directly to it here.
Happy browsing!
by Admin | Jan 1, 2018 | News (home)
We have a new “Connecting Committee” whose aim it is to foster engagement of members, friends, newcomers, and visitors into our church life.
Stop by our table, near the Welcome and Adult Program’s tables after church starting January 14, and talk with someone you may not know. We’ll have lots of information about the goings on in our church and a chance to go beyond questions to conversations. For more information contact Beverly Jordan at beverly@uuventura.org.
by Kitty Merrill | Apr 27, 2017 | News (home)
Dear Community of UUCV,
I could not be more excited to join you as DRE for Children and Youth! It is wonderful to continue this work of nurturing and celebrating our spiritual lives. To be involved in a trustworthy community who loves them and nurtures them in their growth is my vision for an RE program.
The first time I stepped into a Unitarian Universalist Sunday service, it was home. That was in college in 2008, when I had been “allergic” to church for several years. In the meantime, I practiced Buddhism in Thich Nhat Hanh’s tradition and returned to my Christian roots with the practice of centering prayer.
Most recently I have learned those who sit must also take a stand because social justice movement must be rooted in spiritual conviction. There is an inner light in every being and should be treated equally. I am grateful my spiritual journey has brought me to activism in a UU community where I can nurture my activist and contemplative sides.
By moving to Ventura, I’m returning home! I grew up in the 805 area code in Santa Maria, California, then studied at UC San Diego. I have served at UU churches in Studio City, Honolulu, San Jose, and Santa Fe, and am so ready to return to the central coast and plant roots!
My partner Neil and I are ready to build a life in Ventura. I am committed to work, learn, grow, and serve with you! I look forward to getting to know and practicing beloved community with each of you!
With Love & Light,
Emily Carroll
by Kitty Merrill | Apr 27, 2017 | News (home)
by Ray Vargas
In celebration of Earth Day and our church’s advocacy and commitment to a Green Sanctuary, new bicycle parking in the shape of “inverted-U’s” has been installed along the exterior east wall of the sanctuary.
Offering eight spaces, with additional parking located by the children’s playground, the bike parking allows members and visitors a convenient way to help heal our Earth and further the Seventh Principle of our Unitarian Universalist faith: The interdependent web of all existence.
Riding a bicycle or walking instead of using an automobile just once a week, reduces one’s CO2 emissions to the atmosphere by 20%!
The health benefits of riding a bike or walking are boundless, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, physical abilities, or athletic ambitions. Riders remark how they experience the world in a whole new way. Whether to help unburden, even liberate thought and spirit, cycling can be uplifting and healing.
The new bicycle parking station is from members Terry Spragg, in memory of his wife Gina, and Ray Vargas.
This project was made possible by the 7th Principle Environmental Action Team and the B & G Committee.
by Kitty Merrill | Feb 28, 2017 | News (home)
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura is seeking a Director of Religious Education for a growing, vibrant engaged congregation on the central California coast.
Key qualities include:
- Ability to provide vision and leadership for children and youth in a program of 30-40 with potential for growing the program and the position
- Seeking a good administrator with experience working with children
- Understanding of children’s faith development
- Desire to minister to families at a time when there are many pressures upon them
- Experience in working in a UU setting and/or familiarity with multi-religious perspectives very helpful
Will work closely and collaboratively with the senior minister and staff, active lay leaders, and engaged families
Position open Mar. 1 until filled.
Generous salary commensurate with experience, and benefits and professional benefits.
For more details about the position, compensation and information on how to apply, see the job announcement below:
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